A lifer expat mummy in Kuwait blogging on things to do in Kuwait for kids and adults, places to visit, fun and cultural events, general info, shopping bargains and interesting stuff. Email: LWDLIK@gmail.com

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Friday, December 31, 2010

Arab Times. Kuwait City, Dec 30:
The Appeals Court upheld the verdict of a lower court which sentenced a Kuwaiti woman to 10 years in jail for killing her housemaid with kitchenware.
Case papers indicate that the woman’s husband stated that she always had quarrels with the maid and that they decided to return the maid back to the domestic personnel office. The husband said he received a call on the day of the incident from his wife who said the maid was not willing to do any work and that a heated argument ensued between her and the maid. He rushed home to see the maid trying to mutter her last words. She breathed her last soon after.

LWDLIK- There is justice! Good signal to any other maid beaters out there.. May the poor deceased RIP.

Thursday, December 30, 2010

KUWAIT (Reuters) - "Kuwait Airways has grounded its fleet of five Airbus A300 to conduct an inspection of the jets," the state-owned carrier said on Thursday.

The Gulf Arab carrier did not specify what prompted the suspension, other than that Airbus had asked the airline to conduct a check-up on its A300 planes after Kuwait Airways "submitted notes" to the manufacturer.
"The procedure has resulted in delaying some flights until the check-up is done and this type is back to flying," Adel Broslay, Kuwait Airway's director of public relations and media, said in a statement.
The A300 is a short-to-medium range wide-body jet liner. Broslay said Kuwait Airways, which has a fleet of 17 planes, could lease aircraft if the maintenance work is delayed.[link]

LWDLIK- Have a look at the link and check the grammatical errors, I know I'm bad but Reuters! Oh yes and shock horror Kuwait Airways but bravo for taking the initiative before a nasty accident.

A sweet bunch of people trying to find homes for adorable doggies and kitties. They are not good spellers but have very big hearts ;O) And their poster is darn cute. Here's their FB page to view animals for adoption..

Great fun, tasty, healthy restaurant with a kid's menu (rare). And such a fab little website they have with free recipes and promotions for members (easy sign up). I did notice in the Cinescape movie schedule there is a 20% off voucher valid til 15/02/2011. You could pick up a schedule on your way to Waga's via the cinemas at 360 Mall. Or download the menus and they deliver (not sure if discount will be valid for delivery).
Very cool! Tel 2530 9506
The chain's website defines wagamama as meaning "wilful / naughty child"; And last time I was in the Windsor, UK branch they lived up to that. My daughter, her cousin and a gaggle of other kiddy diners plastered the walls and floors with noodles, ran around like little crazy people to which the other diners and staff were oblivious. Was fab for us, of course I wouldn't want to be the romantic couple trying to have a quiet night out...

Marinated chicken with orange, soy sauce and ginger – for kids.

This tasty noodle dish is a winner and is fun to make with the little ones.. warning this dish is for kids only! You can also find this recipe in “the wagamama cookbook”– serves 4 small ones

Instructions:
Combine the marinade ingredients in a small pan and gently heat to dissolve the sugar, allow to cool and add the chicken, toss so that it is well coated and set aside for at least 1 hour; overnight in the fridge is even better. Cook the noodles according to the instructions on the packet, drain and refresh under cold water
Heat the oil in a hot wok, add the chicken (reserve marinade), and stir fry for 2-3 minutes until golden. Add the mangetout, baby corn, reserved marinade and chicken stock and continue to stir fry for 2 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked and the vegetables are just wilting, dissolve the cornflour in 1 tablespoon water, add to the wok and simmer for 1 minute until thickened. Add the noodles and toss through, along with the sesame oil, to ensure everything is well coated and heated through. Serve scattered with the sesame seeds and with a lime wedge.

For those girlies who are in need of a party dress try Karen Millen (sale on 50% off ) showrooms at Fanar, Al Raya and 360 Mall. They have cute shoes and handbags too.
A [link] to their Christmas collection video, some very nice stuff..

A couple of my favs on sale..

They are all black and tailored which may or may not be helpful after the holiday feasting :O)

Seems New Year's Eve it's going to rain (could be problematic matching welly boots to my dress) and the scary MOI guy with the very long title (Acting Assistant Undersecretary for Criminal Security Affairs at MOI Maj. Gen. Sheikh ) has 'strict plans for New Year's Eve' which entails deporting 'foreigners' who do not maintain public order and prevent violations that are contrary to the public morals and manners in Kuwait.
Hmmm....
Q 1. What about the party-loving Kuwaitis doesn't seem fair they don't get a free ticket to somewhere?
Q 2. Isn't really crazy, death-threatening driving contrary to public morals and manners?
Found the above on the front of Al Watan Daily and have to say not sure if I really understand what they're trying to say so will plead ignorance :O)

Tuesday, December 28, 2010

The National Assembly Building on the Gulf Road. Barricades have gone up to stop anyone approaching the building or to make it easier to keep people back. According to Arab Times 'Special Forces have been deployed across the country'. Should be an interesting day. If you're still not sure what's going on please see the previous post entitled 'Political turmoil in Kuwait' 26/12/2010.

Update- Thankfully quiet day yesterday. Let's hope the same is true for Jan 5. If you're confused welcome to the club. Big thumbs up to the PM :OD

Monday, December 27, 2010

KHAR - Some 300,000 desperately poor villagers impoverished by fighting in Pakistan's tribal belt are scrambling to feed themselves after a female suicide bomber killed 45 people outside a World Food Program food distribution center, triggering a district wide suspension of the relief project.
Pakistan says the attack is a sign of insurgent desperation, but the bombing and ongoing battles challenge Islamabad's claims of victory over al-Qaida and the Taliban in this part of the porous northwest border.
WFP district coordinator Shahab Khan said on Sunday that all four food relief centers run by the United Nations agency in the Bajur district had been shut indefinitely since Saturday's bombing in the area's main town of Khar.
The WFP project in Bajur feeds 41,000 families — or 300,000 people — who returned to the district from camps for the displaced elsewhere in the country, even though their livelihoods having been ruined by fighting between Pakistan troops and insurgents.
Painda Khan, a 48-year-old farmer who abandoned his crops months ago, said his family of 11 was now desperate for their rations of rice, flour, lentils, cooking oil and high-energy biscuits that he had been going to pick up on Monday.
"We have been borrowing food from neighbors for the last five days," said Khan, adding that his family last received supplies on Nov. 25.
Gul Karim Khan, a 53-year-old who provides for a family of 10, had also found himself robbed of options by the closing of the supply centers.
"We are getting into very tough times," he said. "We don't have any idea what we will do in the days ahead if we don't get aid."
While food relief centers outside Bajur are still functional, WFP official Amjad Jamal said the displaced villagers were not eligible for food rations from outside the district.
"We are trying to resume supplies at the earliest possible opportunity," said Jamal, adding that it was too early to suggest a date. "We are most concerned for the children in these areas because the majority are already malnourished."
Bajur and other parts of the tribal regions are of major concern to the U.S. because they have been safe havens for militants fighting NATO and American troops across the border in Afghanistan. The U.S. has long pressured Pakistan to clear the area of insurgents.
The top U.S. and NATO commander in Afghanistan, Gen. David Petraeus, told The Associated Press that Pakistan's "impressive" counterinsurgency efforts against armed groups must be recognized.
Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani on Sunday still maintained that Pakistan's military had routed al-Qaida and Taliban from their strongholds in the area despite the bombing and running gun battles in recent days.
Coordinated attacks by 150 Islamic militants on five security posts in the Mohmand tribal region on Bajur's southern boundary sparked two days of fighting that officials say claimed the lives of 11 soldiers and 64 insurgents.
Gilani said the Bajur bombing demonstrated the militants' weakened state.
"As far as terrorism is concerned, their strongholds are finished and they have escaped from there and they are on the run," Gilani told reporters in the central city of Multan. "They are now turning toward soft targets like you have seen."
Khar administrator Sohail Khan said Sunday authorities have yet to identify the bomber.
The suicide attack may be the first by a woman in Pakistan. Previous reports of female suicide bombers were disproved when a victim was mistaken for the perpetrator or in another case when the bomber proved to be a man concealing himself in an all enveloping burqa.
Brig. Mahmood Shah, a defense analyst and former federal official responsible for security in the tribal region, said the recruitment of women as suicide bombers could be a dangerous development because of the cultural reluctance on the part of male security officers to search females.
The bombing, which was claimed by the Pakistani Taliban, drew swift condemnation from around the world, including President Barack Obama.
In a statement released in Honolulu, Hawaii, where he was spending Christmas, Obama said that "killing innocent civilians outside a World Food Program distribution point is an affront to the people of Pakistan, and to all humanity."
Britain, a staunch U.S. ally in Afghanistan, also condemned the attack, while Afghan President Hamid Karzai described the perpetrators as enemies of Islam and humanity.

Whilst leaving my car in the car park the other day I started my usual chant to help remind me where I'd parked my car N26, P4, green, N26, P4, green...until I realised I could take a pic with my phone camera of where it is (and it is highly possible to find it again with GPS but I didn't go that far) having the pic helped me relocate my car. Love my phone.

Dec 26, 2010 at 11:11AM by AFP
KUWAIT CITY - Kuwait has plunged into fresh political turmoil after opposition MPs unleashed a serious bid to unseat the oil-rich Gulf state's premier, a senior member of the ruling family.
The emirate has been rocked by almost non-stop disputes since 2006 when Sheikh Nasser Mohammad al-Ahmad al-Sabah was appointed prime minister.
"This crisis is a part of the old and still ongoing conflict between a party that does not accept democracy in Kuwait and the pro-democracy camp," political analyst Anwar al-Rasheed told AFP.
"But what makes it unique and dangerous is the fact that this time the government has a majority in parliament and thus can pass any legislation even if it contradicts the constitution.
"The conflict is raging around government attempts to neutralise the constitution by withdrawing key legislative and supervisory powers enjoyed by MPs," said Rasheed.
The crisis was sparked by a police crackdown on a December 8 public gathering held by the opposition to protest an alleged government-backed plot to amend the 1962 constitution with the aim of suppressing public freedoms.
Forces used batons to beat up demonstrators, injuring at least four MPs and a dozen citizens.
"The unprecedented assault on the MPs was an attack on the Kuwaiti people (which) triggered a confrontation between the people and the government," said Nasser al-Abdali, head of the Kuwait Society for the Advancement of Democracy.
"Any actions within the framework of the constitution are acceptable but moves outside the constitution are totally rejected. This explains the intensity of the current crisis," said Abdali.
Opposition MPs representing the three main groupings in parliament filed a motion to quiz the premier over the clashes in a session scheduled for Tuesday.
"The parliament session will be the most dangerous session to be seen in Kuwait," Ahmad al-Khateeb, a respected veteran politician, wrote in the weekly Al-Taleea.
"During the session, the future of Kuwait, democracy and the constitution will be determined," said Khateeb, who was on the committee that wrote the 1962 constitution.
Liberal MP Aseel al-Awadhi described the opposition campaign as an "intifada (uprising) to safeguard the constitution against attempts to undermine it."
Opposition figures stress they aim to bring down the government, which they accuse of suppressing public freedoms and plotting to cut powers the constitution gives parliament.
"We will not coexist with this government under one roof," said opposition MP Mussallam al-Barrak, declaring they are backed by 21 MPs in the 50-member parliament.
Barrak and several opposition MPs said that after the premier had been quizzed, they would file a motion of non-cooperation with him.
If passed, the issue would be referred to Emir Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmad al-Sabah, who can either dismiss the premier or dissolve parliament for fresh elections.
Since May 2006, the emir has dissolved parliament three times and fresh polls have been held while six different governments have been formed by the same prime minister.
The latest escalation comes despite a stern warning from Sheikh Sabah who took responsibility for the police crackdown, absolving his premier.
Pro-government MPs have in turn accused the opposition of challenging the Kuwaiti ruler's authority.
"I believe this question (session) is not directed against the prime minister but the emir," Shiite MP Hussein al-Qallaf said last week.
Another, Salwa al-Jassar, went as far as saying the "opposition was instigating civil war" by encouraging people to take to the streets.
The political upheaval has coincided with a clampdown on the media and government critics.
Two leading critics are behind bars, while Kuwait has closed the office of Qatar's Al-Jazeera television network for covering the police's use of force in the December 8 gathering.
The government has also sent to parliament proposals to toughen laws on punishments for the media, which MPs are to discuss at a later date.
Few believe Tuesday's parliament session will end political strife in Kuwait, which sits on 10 percent of the world's crude oil reserves.
"Political crises will continue in this country as long as the ruling family does not change its mentality to cope with modern-day developments and expand democracy," Rasheed said.

LWDLIK- Hmmm this doesn't sound good at all. It's going to be an interesting day tomorrow. But aren't 26 votes a majority not 21?

Playboy founder Hugh Hefner got engaged over the holiday weekend to his Playmate girlfriend Crystal Harris. Hefner’s been married twice before, most recently to another former Playmate.

LWDLIK- Wish there was an emoticon for sticking my fingers down my throat and wanting to vomit. Of course she is 'blindly' in love with him (and now I know what that means). He's 84 and she's 24 and I don't care how much money he has that's just wrong.

Sunday, December 26, 2010

The exact etymology of the term "boxing" is unclear and there are several competing theories, none definitive.The tradition has long included giving money and other gifts to the needy and those in service positions. The European tradition dates to the Middle Ages, but the exact origin is unknown. Some claim it dates to the late Roman/early Christian era when metal boxes placed outside churches collected special offerings tied to the Feast of Saint Stephen.
A clue to Boxing Day's origins appears in the Christmas Carol, "Good King Wenceslas." Wenceslas, who was Duke of Bohemia in the early 10th century, was surveying his land on St. Stephen's Day — Dec. 26 — when he saw a poor man gathering wood in the middle of a snowstorm. Moved, the King gathered up surplus food and wine and carried them through the blizzard to the peasant's door. The alms-giving tradition has always been closely associated with the Christmas season, but King Wenceslas' good deed came the day after Christmas, when the English poor received most of their charity.
In the United Kingdom, it became a custom of the nineteenth-century Victorians for tradesmen to collect "Christmas boxes" or gifts on the day after Christmas as thanks for good service throughout the year. Another possibility is that the name derives from an old English tradition: in exchange for ensuring that wealthy landowners' Christmases ran smoothly, servants were allowed to take the 26th off to visit their families. The employers gave each servant a box containing gifts and bonuses (and sometimes leftover food). In addition, around the 1800s, churches opened their alms boxes (boxes where people place monetary donations) and distributed the contents to the poor.
During the Age of Exploration, when great sailing ships set off to discover new land, a Christmas box was a good luck device. It was a small container that priests placed on each ship while still in port. Crewmen, to ensure a safe return, dropped money in the box. It was then sealed and kept on board for the entire voyage. If the ship came home safely, the crew gave the box to the priest in exchange for the saying of a Mass of thanks. The Priest kept the box sealed until Christmas, and then opened it to share the contents with the poor.
An 'Alms Box' was placed in every church on Christmas Day, into which worshipers placed a gift for the poor of the parish. These boxes were always opened the day after Christmas, which is why that day became known as Boxing Day.
During the late 18th century, Lords and Ladies of the manor "boxed up" leftover food, or sometimes gifts, and distributed them the day after Christmas to tenants on their lands. Many poorly paid workers had to work on Christmas Day and took the following day off to visit family. As they prepared to leave, employers presented them with these Christmas boxes.
The tradition of giving money to workers continues today. It is customary for householders to give small gifts or monetary tips to regular visiting trade people (the milkman, dustman, coalman, paper boy etc.) and, in some work places, for employers to give a Christmas bonus to employees

In the Royal Tent at the Grand Mosque on Wednesday, 29th Dec, 7PM. The lecture is in English and is entitled 'Mama I'll meet you in Janna (heaven)' by Dr Mohammed Al Shareef. It will discuss what Islam teaches regarding women whose child dies in pregnancy or in infancy.

LWDLIK- This is unusual for Kuwait I've never seen anything like this before. But having suffered myself from child loss thought it might be helpful to others. I'm hoping it is to help and comfort women in their loss. I'm thinking seriously of going myself.

Saturday, December 25, 2010

Of all the Christmas presents to receive this year these two are the most special. Our driver, Nalli, arrived at the door this morning with this lovely gift for my daughter and this beautiful and delicious smelling chocolate log for my husband and I. We are very touched by his generousity. Merry Christmas Nalli have a lovely day at church and with your friends.

“Giving” is a virtue, means to bestow, especially officially, confer; to accord or tender to another, to entrust to another. This is the Law of all creation: Give and you shall receive. "Give and it shall be given unto you, good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again." "Every good and perfect gift comes from above, from the Father of Lights.

You must give some time to your fellow men. Even if it's a little thing, do something for others - something for which you get no pay but the privilege of doing it.
Albert Schweitzer

You give but little when you give of your possessions. It is when you give of yourself that you truly give.
Kahlil Gibran

It's not how much we give but how much love we put into giving.
Mother Teresa

One must be poor to know the luxury of giving.
George Eliot

LWDLIK- Even a smile and a kind words are enough. May the spirit of Christmas be with us all year long. The heart with Nalli's name on is being held on by my daughter as it fell off during transportation. And a very special thank you to my beloved in-laws who even though they don't celebrate Christmas take the time and love to send over a wrapped gift. They are adorable gifts but what touches my heart most is the thought.
My neighbours, who I hardly know, have just popped by with a small gift for our daughter. I love Christmas and the focus on giving, sharing and happiness.
Thank you.
Now looking forward to having a big Christmas lunch with my bestest of friends (my family here).

Friday, December 24, 2010

Yahhoo! Maktoob DUBAI - Indonesia will not lift a ban its citizens working in Kuwait until the Gulf state makes changes to its labour laws to better protect migrant workers from abuse and exploitation, the Kuwait Times daily has reported.
Indonesia imposed the ban in late 2009 due to mistreatment of its citizens, citing numerous instances of workers not being paid and suffering physical abuse.
At the time Indonesia imposed its ban there were around 80,000 of its citizens living in Kuwait, with some 60,000 of them working as housemaids, according to the local embassy.
Kuwait has been in talks with Indonesia to have the ban removed, but the Southeast Asian country has repeatedly refused, saying it will not change its stance until the Gulf state demonstrates it can safeguard the rights of migrant workers.
Indonesian demands include changes to Kuwait’s sponsorship system, according to the Jakarta Globe. Under the often-criticised system employees' work visas are issued through their employers.
At a recent meeting between Indonesian embassy officials and representatives of the Kuwaiti foreign, interior and labour ministries, the Indonesian delegation demanded official pledges guaranteeing the safety and protection of its citizens, the Kuwait Times reported.
“The Kuwaiti government bodies' representatives refused these demands, however, insisting that since Kuwait is a state of law and that making official pledges to other countries conflicts with national legislation,” the newspaper reported, citing a person who attended the meeting.
Indonesian officials described Kuwait's record on workers' rights and combating human trafficking as "bad", and suggested that the situation was worsening due to a lack of legislation, according to the Kuwait Times.
News of the meeting comes amid growing concern over the treatment of migrant workers in the Middle East following a string of alleged incidents of abuse against Indonesian and Sri Lankan maids.
In the most high-profile case, 23-year-old Indonesian Sumiati Binti Salan Mustapa allegedly suffered stab wounds, burns to her scalp, fractures in her hands and ribs, and other injuries allegedly inflicted by her employer, according to media reports.
Human Rights Watch in November urged Saudi Arabia, Jordan and Kuwait to do more to protect migrant domestic workers, saying a recent string of allegations point to a "broader pattern of abuse".

LWDLIK- The burden of responsibility is on Kuwait to offer protection, enforce or change existing laws and heavily punish the perpertrators of such heinous crimes against these poor workers. Come on Kuwait this is not the reputation you want. What will it take for change here? All the third world countries placing a ban on their nationals? Does nobody listen to HRW? Or does nobody care? Saddens me to read of such horrible things.

Had lunch in Paul's in the Avenues today and 'some' of the food quality has returned to its former greatness. The pastries are sublime (have tried them on many occassions :O). I know they fell off the list of places-to-visit list for a long time not sure what happened, they were amazing when they first opened and then dropped to so-so and even descended to downright inedible for a while but they are vying for a comeback. The petit pain au chocolate pastry is just so incredibly yummy!
They do have pretty awful service though which is a shame because that can put me right off eating there, may still have to pop by for a take-away pain au choc.
The service today was slow, uninterested and annoying. And please ask your customers what tea they would like, only as a tea drinking Brit I'm used to ordering tea and getting a decent black tea not a fruity one (has happened on a few occassions). Even when I order, specifically, English breakfast tea it's so weak that it's not drinkable, doesn't seem to matter how long I leave the t-bag in. Seems the French are not so into black tea. Which is a shame because we, and the Kuwaitis, most definately are.
PS.. My crab and salmon salad was way over dressed today but the asparagus soup was delicious.

Tuesday, December 21, 2010

Wataniya gives you a chance to shine in the limelight. You can win weekly ipads with 1 year data subscription, and get a chance to compete for the grand prizes which are:
•Audio: Record a song composed by Abdullah Al Quood, and enjoy an all expense paid trip for two to attend a concert at an international destination.
•Photo: Get a DSLR Camera and enjoy an all expense paid trip for two to test your new camera at an international destination.
•Video: Enjoy an all expense paid trip for two to Hollywood and a chance to participate in a TVC/Film production with Beyond Dreams Productions.

All you need to do is sign up, upload your masterpiece and win. You can also show your support and encourage your friends by giving them your votes. Best of luck! http://www.givekuwait.com/ for details and to view their growing gallery.

Dubai from KD22, Beirut from KD35, Vienna from KD99, Cairo KD69, Istanbul KD99, Sharm El Sheikh KD59. Celebrate Wataniya Airways’ second birthday with their special two for one offer. Buy one ticket at great fares and take a companion for free! To book, call 118 or your local travel agent! For more details visit the offers page on http://www.wataniyaairways.com/

LWDLIK- Sounds great have to check it out further as 'from' is almost always never available :O( And taxes excluded.

Monday, December 20, 2010

Not much chance of snow here and too much everywhere else but if there is a Santa; I'll have Michael Buble please, no need for wrapping ;O)
Be patient turn the sound down and let the video fully download, some spelling mistakes but the voices are undeniably awesome..And what do you want for free :OD
A very Merry Christmas to you. Peace, love and happiness to all mankind.

Woohoo! May have just bankrupt my husband by shopping in Pottery Barn Sale, lots of bargains and the absolute best customer service/highly trained sales staff I've ever experienced in Kuwait. Have to go back tomorrow just to make sure I didn't miss anything.

Sunday, December 19, 2010

A film can be submitted to more than one category, the categories breakdown into the following:
-Cinematography
-Editing & sound for cinema
-Advertising for cinema & new media
-Acting for cinema
-Directing & filmmaking
Young participants must meet the below criteria to be able to submit their work:
-School Students
-University Students
-People under 30
The final deadline for submission is March 10, 2011. All work must be handed in before the deadline. There are certain rules and regulations that must be followed for the acceptance of all submitted work. All work presented will be reviewed by the Kuwait Young Film Makers Competition panel judges.
The panel of judges are a mixture of international and local creative, professional and academic leaders in the cinema industry.
For more details [link]

Gallery Tilal will hold an exhibition by artist Sabhan Adam, the great guru of ugliness with an unprecedented vision. An entrepreneur who defied the geographical boders, through his shockingly unreal creatures, to conquer new grounds in the world of formative art. The exhibition will open on Dec 19 at 7PM and continue until Dec 28 from 10AM-2PM and from 6PM-10PM. Fridays closed and Saturdays by appointment.

Friday, December 17, 2010

The Dannon Co. Inc. will pay $21 million in settlements with federal regulators and several states over unsubstantiated health claims. The food company said its Activia yogurt contains beneficial bacteria.
Dannon also said its dairy drink boosts immunity. The company must receive federal approval before making certain claims. Yogurt offers many benefits, including providing calcium and protein.

LWDLIK- Is happy that someone out there is cracking down on false advertising. That will be an eye opener for other companies too.

Of course after posting about the recent study regarding beating your children it was inevitable I'd get some flak. Have to say mostly it's been 'for' beating kids. More flak. Having spent 7 years trying not to spank my daughter - who is one really tough Kookie - most of the time I spend pulling my hair out or if she did get a little slap on the bottom then I'm feeling wracked with guilt for being the very worst mother in the world. Punishing her is, and will always be, a nightmare. I've tried grounding her, that really doesn't work she just drives me nuts which I'm convinced she does on purpose. I've given her choices before now; a smack on the bottom or being sent to her room/no trip to the park/no ice cream, etc (only one of those punishments not all three) and she'll choose the smack every time. She doesn't get the smack as mostly always it's used as a threat, which of course is my problem no follow through and consistency. I know it, just can't do anything about it. When she does get a wallop she'll taunt me and say, "That didn't hurt." Yes, my daughter rules our roost. In my humble opinion never mind cigarettes, kids take 20 years off your life easily.A dear friend has sent me this hilarious video of Russell Peters and his view on beating kids. PLEASE BEWARNED FOUL LANGUAGE!! MAYBE VERY OFFENSIVE TO SOME... NOT SUITABLE FOR CHILDREN!

Thursday, December 16, 2010

Thank you Ambassador Frank Baker and lovely wife Maria for allowing us to congregate, again, in your garden and enjoy an evening of Christmas carols and seasonal cheer. The mince pies were excellent. The New English School choir did a fabulous job and I believe over a 1000 expats were invited to the event. And a big thank you also to the embassy staff who volunteered their time organising the event, manning the door and baking and serving huge amounts of delicious, nostalgic epicurean delights. Well done!

Wednesday, December 15, 2010

YOUR Highness the Amir, please allow us to express ourselves and relate the pain of Kuwaitis due to the current situation. Your Highness, please allow us to talk frankly, even if the tone is fairly high, because you are our shelter and we can tell what we really feel without falsification.
Kuwaitis, Your Highness, since hundreds of years have been content with the Al-Sabah rulers, and have put their trust in them. Kuwaitis pledged allegiance to your highness and to the royal family but not to those who work for their personal interests or agendas of regional powers.
Your Highness, you and whoever you put your trust in maintaining and preserving the country are entrusted with our political, economic and social security. So when you order, you see everyone obeying except those who deviate and they are few in number. The Kuwaiti people will never allow these few people lead them to the unknown or to chaos with their empty slogans of freedom and democracy. Kuwaiti people have witnessed democracy since the rule of the first Sabah until today and it has been the basis of the democracy of today.
Kuwaitis have put their trust in you after Allah Almighty and we did not elect Ahmad Al-Saadoun or Musallam Al-Barrak or Waleed Tabtabaie or Jamaan Harbash or Faisal Al-Muslim or Mubarak Al-Walaan or Adel Al-Saraawi and their likes to rule the country. We have put our full trust in your highness to steer the ship of our country and to you alone, we are obedient. We were very pleased when you relayed your directives telling that gatherings should be inside diwaniyas and not outside and we really want to apply the law on everyone. All Kuwaitis are loyal to the country and those who are not, are not from us.
Your Highness, we will not allow a handful of demagogue anarchists to eliminate Kuwait with their fake slogans, because everyone knows that these people are hypocrites and they harbor the opposite of what they say. They don’t believe in freedom, nor in democracy which helped them to be a minority in the National Assembly. These few persons did not use their logic when the government intended to apply the law on everyone without exception or discrimination, nor committed themselves to the law and the Constitution and the sublime directives of Your Highness.
These few persons are blinded by their selfish vision and have tried to create chaos and provoke unrest through seminars which they wanted to be a source of aggression. They also wanted to abuse securitymen who were in charge of safeguarding their security and that of others.
These few people have been exposed, their masks have fallen and their hidden intentions have become known. They will never be able to hide the sun of truth through parliamentary interpellations or by inciting people, because everyone now knows their real identity. These few persons have been trying to abuse the country just to achieve their own interests and agendas at the expense of the interests of people and the country. They keep challenging the law and issue revolutionary statements as if they are in a fierce war, do not fear God, and do not care about the homeland and citizens.
These people have no place among us, because they believe they can burn Kuwait with a cigarette butt. They are greatly mistaken and should be punished, because Kuwait is not their private farm. Kuwait is governed by a Constitution and the few who have reached the National Assembly should respect the Constitution and not impose their wishes on the people. The will of the homeland is above all wills and the directives of HH the Amir are above all empty slogans.
Your Highness, we reiterate that Kuwait and its fate and future are entrusted to the leadership and we are confident that our leadership is trustworthy, so please send instructions to the government and all other institutions to be more firm and stern against the few ignorant people who seek vandalism and disruption. They do not understand that patience has limits. They should know that Kuwait is ruled from Al-Seif Palace, not from the street by mobs and demagogues.

LWDLIK- If many of you expats are baffled about what's going on at the moment in Kuwait you are not alone. I happen to agree with Ahmed Jarallah. I know some of you won't but Kuwait really needs strong leadership at this time and seeing as democracy is half-hearted we'd better leave the decisions to those who have the power to quell this ripple of sedition before it gains momentum.

Kuwait English School presents Romeo and Juliet, a modern version of Shakespeare’s classic. The senior High School Production is today, Wednesday at 7:00 pm. Tickets available at KD4 at KES now. LWDLIK- I've just read the excellent review in the Arab Times today on page 25 'School production fit for the West End.' WTG KES. I'd love a pic if any proud mummies have any. Thanks. Please send to LWDLIK@gmail.com.Update: I heard a kid slid off the stage and broke his arm. Hope he/she is mending well. I've heard of break a leg in acting but not break an arm. That's dedication for you.

Tony Blair’s company stands to earn £27million for advising the oil-rich Kuwaiti government, it was claimed last night.
The former prime minister’s consultancy firm has been ­advising the Gulf monarchy how to govern itself.
Such a payout would indicate that estimates of Mr Blair’s earnings since he left Downing Street – ­usually put in the £20million to £40million range – could be well below the mark.
Kuwaiti sources familiar with the deal say Mr Blair’s firm stands to earn more than 12million dinars, the equivalent of £27million.
A spokesman for Mr Blair last night dismissed the claims as exaggerated but said a team from Tony Blair Associates will be working with the Kuwaitis for ‘several years’.
The extent of the former premier’s ties to Kuwait led to claims he is cashing in on the contacts he ­cultivated in government and as a Middle East peace envoy, a post which grants him access to Gulf leaders with whom he has developed financial ties.
The claims were also met with ­dismay among relatives of Britain’s war dead, who accused Mr Blair of profiting from his decision to invade Iraq – a war popular with the Kuwaiti Royal Family since it saw the end of Saddam Hussein, who invaded their country in 1990.
Kuwait was the first client of Tony Blair Associates, the London-based firm set up by Mr Blair in 2009 to recommend ‘political and economic trends and governmental reform’.
The firm was contracted to produce ‘Kuwait Vision 2035’, a report into the kingdom’s political and economic future which was delivered earlier this year.
But since then Mr Blair and his consultants have been helping to implement the report’s findings, while training a team of ‘super mandarin, British-style’ civil servants to run the country.
A government source in Kuwait said ‘at the moment they have gone over the 12million dinar mark’ for ‘on-going consultancy work related to the report’.
‘Mr Blair got the work because of his high international profile and vast experience of government,’ the source said. ‘The fact that he helped defeat Saddam Hussein’s Iraq didn’t harm his bid either.
‘He is regularly over here nowadays, as are his staff. In turn his Kuwaiti trainees have been invited to London. They will be shown around Whitehall and pick up tips learnt from Mr Blair’s time running the UK.’
During his visits to Kuwait, it is claimed Mr Blair and his wife Cherie have used – for free – the £2,000-a-night Royal Suite at the Sheraton Hotel.
Big spender: Kuwait Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah has earmarked £45bn for new development projects
Mr Blair has gone out of his way to cultivate the Emir of Kuwait, Sheikh Al-Sabah, who made a state visit to Britain to meet the Queen in 2007, just before Mr Blair left Downing Street.
The Emir has moved to implement some of Mr Blair’s 2,000 recommendations. He has earmarked £45billion for 250 projects to be started over the next four years alone, including a new business hub called Silk City, a new harbour, railway and metro system.
There is also the suggestion a street might be named after Mr Blair.
There is concern in Kuwait about how Mr Blair separates his envoy work and his private business interests. He also represents the investment bank JP Morgan in the country.
‘One minute he’s earning massive profits for TBA or JP Morgan, and then he’s offering to end wars in the Middle East,’ said another source.
The extent of Mr Blair’s income is unclear since he uses a web of companies and partnerships to conduct his business.
His firm’s report has faced criticism in Kuwait, where education minister Moudhi Al-Humoud called it ‘negative’ and ‘vague’.
And Ahmad Saeid , a Kuwaiti analyst, said: ‘I’m sure I’m not the only person in Kuwait who hopes that our government’s definition of “good governance” is not the same as Tony Blair’s.’
A spokesman for Mr Blair last night dismissed the claims, saying: ‘The fees are nowhere remotely near that sum and they were in respect of a full-time team of people hired for the project over several years.
‘The work done is all a matter of public record and has been reported extensively in Kuwait and elsewhere.’
He did not respond to questions about whether Mr Blair or his staff had shown Kuwaiti officials around Whitehall.
A Kuwaiti spokesman confirmed that Mr Blair’s consultancy work was ‘on going’. He said payments were confidential.
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1338368/Tony-Blairs-company-make-27m-advising-Kuwait-govern-itself.html#ixzz1849719NG

Dr Seham Al Foraih, Head of the National Society for Protection of Children cordially invites you to attend the charity event for the benefit of needy children in Kuwait.
The event will take place over 4 days, 13-16 December 2010, from 10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
(No morning session on 13th) and 5:30-9:30 p.m. At Sheik Salim Al Ali Al Sabah Hall, Qurtoba.
The event will include participation by local Kuwaiti businesses (food & clothing) and an art gallery. In
addition, kids’ activities will be provided in the evening sessions, including face painting, henna tattooing, hair braiding and more. Qurtoba, Block 5, Street Abu Ayoub Al Ansari, right next to the Co-op.

Not sure if this chap is the best in Kuwait (would have to check with my very knowledgable in-laws) but wanted to write a little something on Kuwaiti weddings for a while now and these pics gave me the opportunity. Usually cameras and pics would only be the property of the bride and family to preserve the modesty of the unveiled ladies at the wedding.
The ladies wedding party would be ladies unveiled and wearing from the latest TDF couture gowns to some oddities that look like they have been hacked together by a blind, one-armed tailor. There are some very daring gravity-defying dresses along with some fabulous meringue dresses in all colours. The lights are 1000 watts so the potential mother-in-laws can check out the pool of unmarried ladies for flaws or so the chandelier earring bling is able to sparkle to the max.
No gifts are given by the guests so don't bother bringing one. Put on your tiara, trust me you will not be over- dressed. You may get invited to dance with the ladies, so be warned. Or expect to sit for about 3-4 hours waiting for the groom to arrive (all the ladies will scramble to get their abayas and scarfs when he arrives) and once pics of the two have been taken it will be time to eat at about 1AM. Top tip eat a big dinner before you go.